Digital Commons Network^™

Research In Onondaga Music: Challenges And Opportunities, Kristi Eve Adams

Masters Theses

The main topic of focus is the resistance by indigenous people to communicate their cultural practices to researchers and those who are not part of their immediate community, especially in a post-COVID-19 world. The topic will be explored through the music and ceremonies of the Haudenosaunee people, also known as the Iroquois, consisting of members of Native American heritage that are still in existence today and recognized by the United States federal government as an official tribe. Onondaga Nation is one of the few remaining self-governing sovereign Native American nations in the United States. The music of the Onondaga people …

A Study Of The English Language And Its Effects On Vocal Technique, Christie Massey

Masters Theses

There is a widely accepted view by voice teachers at all levels that the English language poses significant challenges for the classical singer in both diction and technique. For the native speaker, this notion may be puzzling and frustrating. This study aims to research and provide pedagogical strategies to assist the teacher and aid the student in singing English successfully and with effective classical technique. The primary research question is: What are the main challenges of singing English diction with classical technique? Other sub-questions include 1) How do period and style affect how the language is sung? 2) To what …

The Grade Is The Message: An Analysis Of The Grading Structure’S Effects On Student Grade/Learning Orientations, Grant Lynn Rye

Masters Theses

This qualitative study was undertaken to study the medium of the grade in education contexts under the assumptions made within the field of media ecology. The goal of this study was to build on previous research that has identified that learning-oriented students are better set up for success in the classroom than grade-oriented students. With this in mind, this study aims to identify, from the student perspective, what different aspects of the grading system communicate to students that they should value in the classroom, especially in regard to grade-oriented or learning-oriented mindsets. After conducting interviews with current students from a …

Songs Of Sorrow, Hope, And Praise: Toward A Historical Analysis Of Negro Spirituals, Hope Victoria Dornfeld

Masters Theses

Traditional Negro spirituals play a key role in America’s music history. Spirituals were initially perpetuated by enslaved Africans in the American South through the oral tradition but today are available in a wide variety of choral, vocal, and instrumental arrangements. The lecture recital that accompanies this document will present seven traditional spirituals of varying themes: “Hold On,” “Witness,” “Deep River,” “Sweet Little Jesus Boy,” “Balm in Gilead,” “Steal Away,” and “Ride On, King Jesus.” Spirituals can be described by three closely interrelated textual categories or descriptors which correspond with their original use and historical context. Songs of sorrow are those …

The Writing Of The War Within: A Study, Analysis, And Creation Of Narrative Reality, Katelynn Wood

Masters Theses

In an in depth analysis of my own work, I study the use of narrative reality and focus on the use of narrative style and strategy in the works of Renée Ahdieh, Khaled Hosseini, and Tim O’Brien to transport the reader from the reality in which they are reading a novel to the reality that exists within the novel itself. I apply the same lens to my own work and specifically hone in on the use of epistolary form to communicate the inner feelings and mindsets of the characters. Through the analysis of the use of this form by Jane …

Hello There: An Integrative Framing Analysis Of The Disney+ Series Obi-Wan Kenobi, Hannah Grace Sawchuck

Masters Theses

The effective communication of emotions within audio-visual content, such as film, was one of the most important aspects that needed to be considered when creating such content. Within the field of communication, there was a limited amount of research that existed on the communication of emotions in film. This was a problem as such content is becoming more prevalent in society. Knowing how those emotions were created and developed would allow communication scholars to better understand how to effectively elicit emotions from their own audio-visual content. By examining a well-known series, Obi-Wan Kenobi, scholars could see how different aural and …

The Significance Of Teaching Music To Urban African-American Underprivileged Students, Tyreese L. Pleasanton

Masters Theses

This study delves into the significance of providing music education to African American students living in urban areas. By utilizing differentiated instructional techniques and reflective questioning, this study advocates for academic excellence and societal growth in music. The inquiry highlights the undeniable correlation between music education, cultural identity, and student prosperity. Thus, underscoring the critical importance of music for low-income students. Band directors can effectively support academic and musical success through diverse teaching approaches, such as method books and collaborative opportunities. The investigation carefully evaluated key factors, including the participants’ socioeconomic status, music development, and academic accomplishments. The research emphasized …

Community Role Models And Their Influence On At-Risk-Youth, Eliab Charles Caudio

Masters Theses

The youth in our communities are easily influenced. For this reason, they should not be left to govern themselves. More often than not, they have a few peers steering them in the wrong directions, enabling poor decisions, mostly to fit in, stand out, or some form of protection. Also, there are those who simply have no direction, wanting to live fast, grow up before their time and engage in high risk behaviors they consider having fun. The focus of my research aims to drive home the point that “consistent mentorship from successful adults” is an often overlooked solution in helping …

Using Video Storytelling To Transform The Consumer Narrative Of Fashion Into One Of Caretaking: A First Step Towards A Sustainable Fashion Industry, Piumi De Alwis

Masters Theses

This study speaks about today’s apparel industry run by the consumption based “consumer narrative” and will introduce a sustainable alternative of “caretaker narrative,” a consumer oriented way of being to combat toxic practices in the apparel industry. Meanwhile on the other hand in today’s day and age video storytelling is getting extremely popular in the media we daily consume. This study examines how to effectively use video storytelling to popularize the sustainable practice of the “caretaker narrative” in society.

Talking About Death: Exploration Of The Impact Of Death Communication Norms On End-Of-Life Caregivers, Maureen H. Mckenzie

Masters Theses

This study seeks to understand the experience of end-of-life caregivers and how their subscribed communication norms regarding death impacted their caregiving experience and preparedness to make decisions on their person’s behalf. Eight participants were recruited from a Midwestern support group facility with a population of nearly 8,000 members that include cancer and grief support members. Criteria required adult participants that were less than 10 years out from their caregiving experience. Phenomenological research methods were used capturing eight opened ended interviews about participants death communication history, caregiving experience, and reflection on current death communication norms. Thematic analysis was utilized to assess …

Influences Of Chronic Stress On Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Anxiety, Depression, And The Microbiome, Julia A. Semaan

Masters Theses

IBS effects approximately 5% of the world’s population with symptoms ranging from unexplainable constipation to daily abdominal pain. Though treatment options are available and have been proven beneficial for certain individuals, discovering the root cause of IBS has been difficult to accomplish due to the variety of symptoms that differ from case to case. This study aims to increase understanding of the influence that chronic stress has on irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, depression, and the microbiome in the college-age population since this group is likely to experience daily stressors, anxiety- and depressive-like thoughts, as well as IBS symptoms. Current research …

A Call For Planetary Kinship: The Development Of New Forms Of Subjectivity In Jeff Vandermeer's Annihilation, Jennifer Kinne

Masters Theses

This thesis joins a vibrant conversation on the importance of storytelling in an age of climate change through an analysis of Jeff VanderMeer’s Annihilation, a strange and prophetic novel whose environments and characters are confronted with significant ecological devastation and transformation. It explores the ways in which VanderMeer opens liminal spaces between the human and nonhuman through his usage of the New Weird genre, uncanny and abcanny imagery, and monstrous characters.

In my first chapter, I will explore the emerging world of New Weird fiction and argue that this genre is uniquely suited to addressing climate change, namely because of …

Mirroring Jesus’S Prayerful Approach To Interactions With Dissatisfied Followers Through The Lens Of The Modern Worship Pastor, Bryant Timothy William West

Masters Theses

This study shows the life and mission of Jesus through His interactions with conflict and will show how worship pastors can apply these lessons to the church. Detailing Jesus's prayer life and His approach to interacting with others, examining the approach worship leaders should have when interacting with similar people. The report will concentrate on three areas of study, including Jesus's prayer life, his ministry, and how the worship pastor can create a church that parallels Christ. Jesus' ministry and discussions with the Pharisees show worship pastors how they should approach church members. This discussion is due to the struggles …

An Apologetic For The Reliability Of Biblical Doctrine From Pornography Addiction And Recovery, Jacob A. Arrieta

Masters Theses

Sexual ethics (in general) and pornography (in particular) are incredibly hot topics in postmodern culture. The biblical sexual ethic, which was once normative across much of the Global West since the rise and spread of Christianity, is now viewed as outdated and oppressive in a postmodern culture that values individual freedoms above all else. No longer are institutions seen as trustworthy bastions of truth to help shape individuals into good people or proper citizens of a nation. Expert opinions are no longer sought out and used to shape and form the individuals’ thoughts on a given topic unless they support …

The Impact Of Southern Baptist Worship Ministries On Denominational Effectiveness, Laura S. Brod

Masters Theses

Worship ministries maintain prominent roles in Southern Baptist (SB) churches. Despite ample available literature for today’s church educational methods and congregational discipleship, little study has focused on ways SB music ministries can bolster the spiritual health of congregants. SBs currently experience the consequences of recent scandals alongside dwindling attendance numbers. To address this multifaceted, spiritually rooted issue, this historical qualitative study proposes to discover characteristics and methods of music and worship ministries (WM) and leadership qualities that can best promote spiritual growth within SB churches to strengthen the denomination’s health. To undertake this, the study will explore SB history and …

Natural Christology: The Necessity Of Christ By Analysis Of Natural Religion, Jared Anthony Smith

Masters Theses

The hero’s journey [or the monomyth] and the perennial philosophy are two conceptions of human experience that popularize a single old idea: a common human plight recurs across time through humanity’s socio-cultural variety. The monomyth highlights this through narrative modes; the perennial philosophy does this through religious modes. Both distillations have garnered a Christian counterattack, being thought to dangerously depart from the gospel in their essence as they nonetheless borrow its language and timbre. Yet, their incorporation of the gospel ventures beyond appropriation. Supposing these secular notions esteem the recurrent human journey with any alacrity, a careful apologetic discerns and …

Implementing Composition/Theory Model Cornerstone Assessments In The Family Christian Academy Band Program, Matthew Alan Woolsey

Masters Theses

The purpose of this applied research study was to determine how Composition/Theory Model Cornerstone Assessments (MCAs) could be adapted for a church music arranging curriculum that utilized popular music pedagogy and Nashville Numbers for notating brass, woodwind, percussion, and/or bass guitar orchestral sweetening. Orchestral sweetening referred to the addition of riffs (short repeated musical figures or melodies), pads (sustained harmonies), and punctations (rhythmic and harmonic emphases of lyrics or chord changes) to an existing rhythm and vocal arrangement. While Composition/Theory MCAs had been pilot-tested for composition tasks, the MCAs had yet to be applied to an arranging context, particularly one …

From Mascot To Marine: The Long Walk To The American Military Dog Program, Elisabeth Jana Phillips

Masters Theses

In World War II, the military dog became synonymous with patriotism and the fight for a free world. In the absence of a military dog program at the beginning of World War II, the United States was the exception amongst Western powers. The establishment of an official military dog program in the United States during World War II was a critical and inevitable step in the development of the country’s military. Through the creative collaboration of civilians and military personnel, the K9 Corps and Dogs for Defense organization produced trained military dogs that had immediate positive impacts on the battlefield …

Solving The Logical Problem Of Evil Using The Principles Of Programming, Daniel Joel Edmond

Masters Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to offer a solution to the logical problem of evil, using computer programming principles to establish a logical model to the solution. Rather than engage in a purely philosophical discussion, the emphasis of this thesis is to establish a reasonable and applicable model that allows for a practical description of the solution using a framework built on computer programming principles.

Music Educators As Worship Leaders: The Impact In Music Ministries Led By Music Educators, Patrick Robert Eckelkamp

Masters Theses

Some of the most competent musicians in local communities are the music educators in local school districts. Since the Bible commands us to play skillfully to God, local music teachers may be an excellent resource for churches. Some churches cannot hire a full-time worship pastor from a seminary or Bible college. In these scenarios, a skilled music teacher looking for additional income and sharing convictions with their church may be a great candidate to fill a vacant worship leader role. Since music teachers primarily study classical and orchestral music, there may be challenges for classically trained music educators leading a …

Impressionist Composition Techniques In Modern Percussion Literature, David Scott Strait

Masters Theses

The purpose of this lecture recital was to explore the substantive contributions of impressionist composition techniques in contemporary percussion literature. Research was conducted by means of harmonic, rhythmic, and melodic analysis of contemporary works for solo marimba, marimba and electronics, and snare drum and electronics, as well as background research on composers of those works. Percussion composers Russell Wharton, Ivan Trevino, and Ian T. Jones utilize modern technology in their compositions as well as compositional techniques stemming from the Impressionist movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In Impressionist composition, musical elements such as texture, non-pulsatic rhythm, and …

Gender Identity And The Impact On The Mental Health Crisis, Melissa Nicole Herbolsheimer

Masters Theses

Adolescents' mental health has been at the forefront of counseling for many years. As adolescents endure the physical and hormonal changes that occur during the formative years from 10-19, many feel confused and uncomfortable in their bodies. Throughout the decades, adolescents, specifically girls, searched for a way to ease the feelings experienced during that time. As a result, many issues have been prevalent among adolescent girls, such as eating disorders, cutting, suicidal ideations, sexual activity, and gender dysphoria. Utilizing studies completed by mental health professionals, this thesis seeks to identify the impact this acceptance and freedom to choose one’s gender …

A Contemporary Analysis Of Bradley Knight’S Musical Compositions, Ryan James Flug

Masters Theses

While there is a plethora of music arrangers within the Christian and gospel music industries, Bradley Knight’s arranging style and techniques have shown to set him apart among contemporary arrangers. The combination of musical techniques that uniquely contribute to Knight’s choral and orchestral arrangements include distinct rhythmic choices, intricate harmonies within orchestration and choral parts, and dynamic instrumental and vocal builds. Utilizing a qualitative approach, this study will use descriptive and exploratory research design to explain both the specific techniques and cultural contexts within the greater gospel genre that fashion Knight’s arrangements. While gospel music, choral arrangements, and contemporary music …

Assessment Of Industrial Policies In Ghana: A Case Study On The Current Policy Of One District One Factory Policy (1d1f), Ama Nyamekye Obenewa Otoo

Masters Theses

Industrialization has been the weakest link in Ghana’s economic development efforts. Import-substitution industrialization policy of the 1960s-1980s and the outward liberalized industrialization policy of 1990-2020 (Vision 2020), have failed to achieve the goals of industrialization. This is due to several reasons including the selfish interests of these political leaders and lack of technological advancement. In 2017, the elected New Patriotic Party (NPP), announced a new industrialization policy known as “one district, one factory" (1D1F), which was a political campaign promise to realign industrial strategies. The goal of this policy is to ensure that industries are spread equitably among the country's …

How A Balanced Christian Message In Film Can Inspire Christ-Like Transformation, Makayla Marrin Jacobs

Masters Theses

This thesis will attempt to examine the need for a balanced Christian message in film and how everyday acts of the Christian faith can inspire Christ-like transformation within society. This thesis will also explore the importance of developing faith and spiritual disciplines through the creative screenplay, All Hail the Hoodlums. Throughout history, living as a faithful Christian and practicing spiritual disciplines can appear to go directly against society’s natural flow as belief in a Creator oppose man’s selfishness and sinful nature. Seemingly, society at large currently projects that believing in a Monotheistic and Triune God and having a deep personal …

The Eye Of The King: Screenplay Adaptation As A Craft Tool, Nora Annette Graves

Masters Theses

Adaptation studies typically focus on a screenplay’s fidelity to its original text within the constraints imposed by the new genre. This thesis approaches adaptation as a craft tool: a rich source of fresh authorial insight into characters, settings, and plotlines. Experimentation, not fidelity, is the goal of the self-adapter; adaptations are valued and deemed successful based on the new levels of complexity they uncover or add to an ongoing story. The author’s screenplay adaptation of her original novel, The Eye of the King, served as a case study for testing the value of adaptation as a writer’s craft tool. Re-telling …

Soldiers Of Christ In A Pluralistic Army, Jordan Lee Pittman

Masters Theses

This thesis seeks to answer the question: How does a Christian chaplain in the U.S. Army fulfill the Great Commission given by Jesus in Scripture while facilitating the free exercise of religion for everyone in his organization? Jesus commands his followers to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). The primary audience of this thesis consists of military chaplains and candidates. The conclusion reached is that the chaplain can accomplish both tasks stated in the question. To facilitate a soldier’s free exercise of religion does not automatically betray the teachings and guidance of Scripture nor does it prevent the chaplain from making disciples. …

Unheard Voices: Minority Female Presence In Fiction Including Folklore And Fantastical Elements, Breanna Renae Grayson

Masters Theses

This thesis is about the representation of women and racial minorities and the incorporation of folklore and fantastical elements in contemporary American short fiction. This incorporation includes the characterization of nonwhite characters in fiction and the role they serve. Also, the main idea is to provide an explanation concerning the importance and relationship it has for minority female writers and readers. The Artistic Statement defines the author’s reasons, inspirations, and creative process for her choices in creative writing. The Critical Paper is supported by research and data to describe the use of fantastical elements and how they are implemented into …

Cultivating Collaboration: Optimizing Communication Between Designers And Non-Designers, Haley Constance Tebo

Masters Theses

Clients and designers, having different tacit knowledge, fail to effectively communicate with each other during the design process. These inadequacies risk relationships, reputations, and project success. This issue has long been recognized in the field of design, often as a concern with client involvement. This research aims to identify these complications in the design process and inform how they might be amended. Specifically, it investigates how the relationship between designers and clients can be improved in order to garner better communication and greater project success. In this context, clients are defined as non-designers that commission design professionals. A literature review …

Resurrecting Olympus, Jordan Ashley Miller

Masters Theses

The objective of this creative project was to reintroduce Greek mythology to the public, adapting the ancient tales to appeal to an ever-evolving world. In order to do the myths justice, it was important to examine adaptations and interpretations over the centuries to determine the philosophical trajectory of mythology. My studies unearthed a diverse portfolio of academic perspectives ranging from the likes of the more formal philosopher Thomas Bullfinch of the 1900s, to the modern, comedy-infused commentator Stephen Fry. Each voice revealed something new to consider. Synthesizing these varying positions into a holistic narrative, I set out to pen a …